Vioxx faces 2 federal suits

NEW ORLEANS — The next two federal lawsuits claiming that the painkiller Vioxx caused heart attacks or other cardiovascular problems are scheduled for trial this spring.The case that ended last month in a mistrial and will be retried in February looks at whether very short-term use could cause a heart attack.Merck & Co. withdrew Vioxx from the market in September of last year when a study showed it could double the risk of heart attack or stroke if taken for 18 months or longer.The case of New Orleans resident Ellis Diaz, considered a medium-term user of the drug, is scheduled March 13, Kent Jarrell, spokesman for Merck's attorneys, said late Friday.The case involving long-term use is that of Charles Borowicz, Jarrell said. He said attorneys agreed that Borowicz' case will be refiled as a federal case and heard in April in New Orleans.